Indie Author Spotlight: Jessie Kwak
Ghost Pirate Gambit, From Chaos to Creativity: Building a Productivity System for Artists and Writers (Science fiction, nonfiction writing craft; Jessie Kwak Creative)
Jessie Kwak
Robert Kittilson
Why self-publish?
I’ve been writing for a living for 10 years, dabbling in everything from blog posts for software companies to ghostwriting business books for thought leaders. I already knew I liked running a writing business, and I wanted to have as much control over the quality and marketing of my books as I could. Self-publishing my novels just made sense!
Had you considered traditional publishing?
While I self-publish my fiction, my nonfiction writing and creativity books are published through a small press, Microcosm Publishing. I chose to work with them because they have fantastic marketing know-how and great distribution, so they can get my work in front of a much larger audience than I could on my own. Plus, the folks at Microcosm have an extremely indie spirit, which makes them perfect teammates for someone like me.
From Chaos to Creativity by Jessie Kwak (WD uses affiliate links.)
Jessie Kwak
Indie publishing appeal?
I love how much control I have over my books—both the final product, and what happens once they’re out in the wild. I can run promotions, experiment with marketing and ads, test blurbs and cover images. Basically, I love that I get to run my business from start to finish instead of handing off my manuscript to a publisher and hoping for the best. Of course, mastering the nuts and bolts of running a business is also one of the most challenging parts of indie publishing, and it’s not for everyone. But personally, I love the flexibility and independence.
What writing advice do you have for other writers?
Keep your creative well filled! Seek out the storytellers who are at the top of their game, and when you find stories you love, figure out what hooked you. Was it a trope, a pacing choice, a character, a setting? Study how the writer did it, then use it in your own work.
Ghost Pirate Gambit by Jessie Kwak (WD uses affiliate links.)
Jessie Kwak
What publishing advice do you have?
If you want to make a living as a writer, approach it like a business from the start. You wouldn’t open a corner store without a business plan—don’t just wing it for your author business! Ask yourself the hard questions: Where do your books fit in the market? Who are your readers and how will you find them? Will your business have multiple income streams? What will they be?
Finally, don’t go it alone—especially in the indie world. A strong network of writer friends and colleagues is critical to helping you succeed personally and professionally. Attend conferences, join local writing groups, start a mastermind or critique group, and start building community however you can.
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